Breadcrumb

Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure takes you right into your favorite comic strips and brings the normally stationary characters to life. This is the place to go for water rides, but it has some fun features you can enjoy even if you’re not into getting wet. Keep your camera handy and check out these great details.

1. The piano music in Me Ship the Olive

Me Ship the Olive is easily overlooked, but it’s a great stop in Toon Lagoon, filled with fun little extras. Best of all, this play area has no line or wait time. If you have small children, this is an essential place to go, but it can be fun for the young at heart, too.

One of the neatest things in Me Ship the Olive is the piano on the second level. You’ll notice there are three colored keys and a sheet of music propped up for you. Play the tune as it’s written out and you’re rewarded with a full version of the Popeye theme song, complete with the whistle blowing. If you’re not musically inclined, don’t worry. All you need to do is hit the keys in order. Perfect timing is not required.

2. The Aesop and Son photo op

Head to the left of the Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls entrance and you’ll find a small courtyard with tables and chairs. Near the back is a forgotten photo op featuring Aesop and Son. If you perch in the middle you’ll have a pair of rabbit ears over your head. Unfortunately, this picture spot has suffered with recent changes to the seating area, and you’ll find some tables and chairs in the way of the very best shot. Still, if you have a smaller member of your party who can squeeze into the space, it’s a fine spot to visit. This is also a good place to hang out if you’re not riding Ripsaw Falls and want a comfortable place to wait for the rest of your party. It’s covered and has plenty of room to sit.

3. A free chance to spray barges

Since Toon Lagoon has two water rides (Bluto and Popeye’s Bilge Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls), the area is full of water guns that let you spray passing boats for a moderate fee. If you want all the fun without the price tag, however, just head to Me Ship the Olive. Here, you’ll find the same spray guns available for free!

This is a great place to hang out with little ones who are too small for the ride while others in your party hop on. You can watch friends and family float by from this spot overlooking the river and even test your aim at them as they pass. Since you don’t have to pay for the privilege, you won’t feel as sour about it if you miss the shot.

Pagination

I'm a full time freelance writer and former resident of Orlando, Florida. In the early 2000's I did two stints as a Disney CP, then joined the full-time ranks of Disney Cast Members. During my time at Disney I worked in all four theme parks at least once. Today I enjoy traveling around the country, experiencing and writing about all manner of destinations, both theme parks and beyond.